Sevilla Reed joined us as a WISCIENCE Peer Leader in spring 2024. Peer Leaders are undergraduate students who support their peers in WISCIENCE programs and courses while learning valuable leadership skills. Find out more about Sevilla and her experience as a Peer Leader!
Pronouns: She/her
Major: Microbiology
Peer Leader for: Exploring Biology (INTEGSCI 100)
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
If you could choose anyone to be a mentor to you, who would it be?
If I could choose anyone as a mentor, I would choose Dr. Mohiba Tareen, the founder of Tareen Dermatology.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Michelangelo’s Coffee House
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Mehle Lab, MED fraternity, Taasa Health, AMSA
What do you like most about Madison?
The busy city is so lovely and there’s always something happening, but it’s also easy to step away and enjoy the lakes and trails.
What are your favorite snacks for a study session?
Popcorn!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Mountain goat—good views
What is your hidden talent?
I can vibrate my eyes.
What is an academic accomplishment that you are proud of?
I’m proud of starting my own research project in the Mehle Lab, where I study Influenza virus replication and host interactions. It was also part of my first publication and I am now starting my next!
What sparked your interest in STEM?
My interest in STEM started with my dad, who is a doctor in internal medicine. Growing up, I’d listen to him speak about his work experience and ask him way too many questions, and he always took the time to explain medical concepts to me. Seeing his dedication and care for his patients made me want to pursue medicine myself.
What is your vision for life after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to either go to medical school for dermatology or pursue a graduate degree in microbiology, focusing on food safety and security from an epidemiological standpoint.
What advice would you give a friend considering becoming a peer leader?
Do it. Being a peer leader is one of the most rewarding experiences, especially if you enjoy helping others and building a strong sense of community. It’s a great way to develop leadership, communication, and mentorship skills while also making a positive impact on students adjusting to life in Madison.
What have you learned through your experience of being a peer leader?
I learned that small actions like checking in on students or remembering little things about them build so much trust. There is no better feeling then when students trust you enough to ask for help with whatever they may need.
Meet the rest of the WISCIENCE Peer Leaders.
Learn more about the WISCIENCE Peer Leader program.